EARLY MEDIEVAL STUD

700

A large stud, made probably from copper alloy. This piece seems to have been cast in one piece, consisting of a round, flat head, with a slightly curved central spike on the reverse. The face of the artefact is decorated with an apparently vegetal or zoomorphic pattern; however, it is not possible to make out the nature or meaning of this design; this face is slightly concave, and worn smooth. This artefact is complete, with a smooth, dark brown surface. Its use it unknown; it was clearly meant to be attached to something, with the spike as the attachment; however, it cannot have been hammered into something hard, as this would have ruined the design; it may then have been mounted onto a soft material, such as wax or felt, or even maybe used as a sort of giant drawing-pin. The worn face suggests that it has been used many times, as also evidenced by the slight splits on its edges. This artefact was clearly ornamental, and may have perhaps a ceremonial use, such as the ornamental ‘nails’ on an Easter candle. The design suggests perhaps an Early Medieval date.